News in brief

PM's former lover fined for kiss-and-tell book

A court has fined the former girlfriend of Finland's prime minister, Matti Vanhanen, for publishing intimate details about their sex life. The Helsinki appeals court ruled that Susan Ruusunen's 2007 book, Prime Minister's Bride, caused Vanhanen distress by exposing details of his private life. She was fined €300 (£266) and her publisher Etukeno Oy €840. Yesterday's decision overturned a verdict in March 2008 by a lower court rejecting all Vanhanen's claims for damages. The kiss-and-tell book was based on their nine-month relationship in 2006 after Vanhanen separated from his wife. Associated Press in Helsinki

'Caichaito' Lopez, Buena Vista bassist, dies at 76

Orlando "Cachaito" Lopez, considered the "heartbeat" of Cuba's legendary Buena Vista Social Club for his internationally acclaimed bass playing, has died of complications from prostate surgery. He was 76. Lopez, a founding member of the band formed in the 1990s by American guitarist and producer Ry Cooder, died in Havana on Monday, said Manuel Galban, a Cuban musician who played with Lopez for decades. Born in Havana in 1933, Lopez became an international sensation as part of the Buena Vista Social Club ... a group of elderly musicians brought together by Cooder. Associated Press in Havana